Identification of which element shows the jurisdiction where the notarial act is performed?

• A. Document
• B. Jurisdiction
• C. Notary's commission number
• D. Photograph

Answer: (B)

The notary’s authority to act is defined by the jurisdiction of their commission, which is shown on the notary’s seal and certificate. In Texas, a notary is commissioned for a specific county, and the seal/certificate displays that state and county, indicating where the notarial act is authorized to take place. The document being notarized itself does not establish jurisdiction, and the commission number identifies the notary but not the location, while a photograph has no bearing on jurisdiction. So, the element that identifies the jurisdiction is the notary’s seal/certificate that lists the county (the jurisdiction) of the commission.